Free UAE bus rides for Papal Mass attendees

Abu Dhabi - Government will organise free pick-up services from designated 'Access Hubs' across the UAE.

Free transportation will be provided to the nearly 135,000 faithful who will attend the Papal Mass at the Zayed Sports City on February 5.

The government of Abu Dhabi will organise free pick-up services from designated 'Access Hubs' across the UAE. The physically challenged, pregnant and elderly will be given special consideration, the Papal visit organisers have announced.

Umbrellas, flags, banners and selfie sticks are not allowed inside the venue, the Department of Communication for the UAE Papal visit 2019 has said on their official website uaepapalvisit.org. The three-day historic visit of Pope Francis - the first visit of a Pope to the GCC region - will commence on February 3. An estimated one million Catholics in the UAE are eagerly awaiting the visit of their religious head while only 135,000 will be able to attend the Holy Mass due to space constraints at the Sports City. The Papal visit website said the faithful attending the Mass will receive one 'entry ticket' and one 'transport ticket'. Access will be denied to those without the passes.

"The transport ticket will have the Access Hub location and departure time. Attendees should choose their Access Hub at the time of collection of tickets. The locations available for each parish will be announced shortly."

People should arrange their own transportation to reach the Access Hub they have chosen. Organisers have also advised the attendees to "arrive at the Access Hub early to guarantee a seat on the buses".

Those who prefer to drive on their own should select a transport ticket for Yas Gateway Access Hub where parking arrangements are made. Shuttle buses will transport people to the venue, and timings will be indicated on the ticket.

A spokesman for the Human Fraternity Meeting said: "We can confirm that the road network in Abu Dhabi will be open as usual during the Papal Mass to be held on February 5. There is no truth in a number of stories that have appeared claiming that roads to Abu Dhabi Island will be closed to cars on that day.

"We have been working closely with the Abu Dhabi Police and other government bodies to ensure that the event does not disrupt the daily business life of the Capital," he added.

anjana@khaleejtimes.com

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